Ako fabric range: integrating Māori culture into modern learning spaces

Design Innovation | The Māori concept of Ako signifies the reciprocal exchange of knowledge between teacher and student. Our designs, crafted in collaboration with renowned Māori artist Jacob Scott, embody the essence of Māori culture through authentic and meaningful artistry.

ako

1. (verb) to learn, study, instruct, teach advise.
Reciprocal learning through shared experiences.

our why | ko wai mātou

At Furnware, we know how important it is to bring our culture into learning spaces. We want tamariki and rangatahi to see their heritage in everyday spaces and feel a sense of identity, belonging, and pride.

Our Ako designs celebrate Māori culture and create useful, beautiful learning spaces. We want to help students and educators connect with Aotearoa's rich heritage, fostering inclusivity and inspiration in every learning space.

our inspiration | ranga wairua

Guided by our Senior Industrial Designer, Dave Gatfield, and contemporary Māori artist Jacob Scott, we drew inspiration from the rich cultural elements of Māori art and Aotearoa’s spirit of boldness and ingenuity. The Ako range was created to honour Māoritanga while embracing new ways of thinking and evolving traditions for the future.

"Furnware recognises the importance of incorporating Māori design into educational spaces, not just as a nod to cultural heritage, but as a vital part of fostering an inclusive and holistic learning environment."

Jacob Scott | Principal, Scott Design and Ako collaborator

our journey | to maatau haerenga

When initiating the project, it was important that Jacob was in alignment with Furnware’s values. We provided him with an in-depth look into our purpose, values and behaviours to ensure that they also resonated with him and the partnership was suited for this project.

"Our Ako Māori fabrics range is more than just a product—it’s a meaningful step toward creating vibrant, inclusive, and culturally respectful learning spaces for future generations. By blending the beauty of nature with the wisdom of the past and using biophilic colors from native plants, we’re proud to honor the rich heritage of Aotearoa. At Furnware, we’re passionate about fostering cultural awareness and respect in every learning environment we create."

Hamish Whyte | Owner and Managing Director

"This is just the beginning for us, and we feel very privileged to be collaborating with Jacob whose artistic talent and cultural knowledge have been instrumental. Through this journey we aim to deepen our understanding of Aotearoa's indigenous heritage and continue to honour it by creating relevant, inclusive and inspiring learning spaces for our Tamariki."

Helen Jones | Group Product Manager, Brand & Product

Harakeke

Our first design in the Ako range is Harakeke. Harakeke (flax) is renowned for its long, sword-like leaves and deep cultural significance. Symbolising resilience, strength, and adaptability. Harakeke is traditionally used in weaving to signify interconnectedness and the passing down of knowledge through the generations.

Harakeke is available in three colourways: Whenu, Tupu and Ariā.

Whenu

Embracing deep earthy tones, symbolising the strength of interconnected learning communities.

Ako fabric range by Furnware | Harakeke - Whenu

Tupu

Symbolises growth and the nurturing of a new generation, fuelled by curiosity and learning.

Ako fabric range by Furnware | Harakeke - Tupu

Ariā

Representing fresh ideas and blue-sky thinking, transforming knowledge into inspiration, innovation, and imagination.

Ako fabric range by Furnware | Harakeke - Ariā

View our entire range of fabrics and finishes

Meet Jacob Scott

Based in Hawke’s Bay and of Ngāti Kahungunu decent, Jacob Scott is recognised as a pioneer in contemporary Māori art and Māori arts education.

The new Ako Fabric Range is a collaborative project, combining Jacob's artistic talent and creative input with the technical knowledge and design expertise of our own Furnware product design team.

Jacob resides in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, just like Furnware. He has ancestral ties to Ngāti Kahungunu, and roots in Te Arawa, Ngāti Raukawa and Te Atiawa.

He is renowned for his contributions to contemporary Māori Art and Māori Arts education. Notably, he founded the Eastern Institute of Technology’s Art and Design School. Jacob led the development of New Zealand’s first bachelors degree level program in whakairo, raranga, and rauangi – Te Maunga Kura Toi and a Master’s Degree ‘Awatoru’ bringing business, culture and design together for Te Wananga O Aotearoa as their National Head of School.

Director of Scott Architects Tapui, with his daughter, architect Hana Scott and Director of ‘Te Ara Hihiko Ltd – The Creative Pathway’ developing cultural works.

He received a Te Ara Whakarei life time membership of Toi Iho for works of quality and authenticity. He is also a founding Kāhui Whetū member of Ngā Ago and contributed significantly to the establishment of the Te Aranga Design Principles.

a word from Jacob

Our nations development has been synonymous with creativity and innovation.

Our revered taonga are essentially utilitarian items highly evolved over time so they are not only useful and perform well but also tell stories and connect materiality aesthetics and purpose with people and place.

I can see that Furnware’s values and ways of working are a 21^st century version of this. The products are very well considered and important to who we are and what we are. In fact culturally connected.

In the celebration of culture and creating there is an opportunity for us to learn and grow as a community, we aim to educate and enrich cultural awareness and create an understanding for the next generation of students in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Keep learning.

Papanui High School

Elmwood Normal School

Hawke’s Bay Homes Brings Prefab Innovation to Schools

Mindfull wins at the new zealand best design awards

Furnware Singapore Pte Ltd , The Hive at 1 North Bridge Road, #08-08, Singapore 179094

subscribe.

Keep in touch with regular inspiration, insights and leading product news.